I hurriedly scribbled notes, astounded as my teacher described my personality, my physical and emotional challenges, my cravings, my body shape. It was the first day of my naturopathy classes and we were learning about the four body types, starting with the Thyroid Type.

My teacher explained that the thyroid gland influences the nervous system which can give this type a tendency to be sensitive, nervous, and impatient with a preference for things to move at a fast pace, including the type of exercises this type enjoys doing. Thyroid Types have up-and-down energy that can prompt mood swings. They express themselves well (and many are writers and/or public speakers), tend to work too hard and need to take more frequent breaks, including vacations. Their cravings revolve around sweets, bread, and carbohydrates. Every single thing that she said about this type fit me to a tee!

Over the next few months, I implemented the dietary and lifestyle changes suggested for my type. I learned to better manage my stress and took supplements and vitamins to balance my nutritional deficiencies. The change was spectacular! My strength and energy soared, and my ghost-like complexion took on a healthy glow. My cravings were greatly reduced. I wasn’t constantly reaching for carbs or sweets anymore. Over the next two years I went from being one of the slowest members in my large cycling club to one of the fastest women.

The other students in my naturopathy course also experienced huge changes, easily dropping weight and gaining energy. I couldn’t wait to share this with my clients and witness their transformation as well.

Learning to eat right for my body type is the single most beneficial thing I ever did to transform my health and my life. I also have found this individualized approach to be a unique and highly effective weight loss program for my clients. The one-size-fits-all diets never work long term. People might lose weight at first, but nearly always regain it along with more pounds. My clients have had great results. Word of mouth quickly made me known as a weight loss specialist in my practice as a naturopath.

To help as many people as possible, this book was born. While the focus is primarily to help those who want to lose weight, I believe that everyone greatly benefits by learning how to eat right for her or his body type. By following my suggestions for healthy eating, you’ll see your strength and stamina improve, your specific cravings and mood swings reduce, and naturally lose unwanted pounds in the process.

Nearly all the clients who come to see me for weight loss exclaim that they have tried everything and remain frustrated. Some even use the word desperate. Most quickly discover that my approach is straightforward. I know based on my experience with numerous clients that my Bodytypology approach to personalized weight loss and, equally as important, eating specifically and healthily healthy for your body type really works!

Too many people are depriving themselves of their favorite foods, counting calories or points, trying the latest fad diets, losing weight, only to gain it all back because their plan isn’t sustainable. It’s essential to stop the yo-yo dieting and find a healthy eating plan that you can follow for the rest of your life.